Restorative justice volunteers celebrated

The valued volunteers who help criminals and their victims meet in a positive way using restorative justice, have been recognised and thanked for their hard work.

Today (20/11), volunteers were thanked by Wiltshire and Swindon's Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson at a meeting at Police HQ in Devizes.

Commissioned by Angus, Restorative Together was set up in 2016 to support victims of crime across Wiltshire and Swindon.

Restorative justice is an alternative way of dealing with an offence or incident. It puts those harmed by crime or conflict - and those responsible for the harm - in contact, enabling everyone affected to play a part in finding a positive way forward.

The process can work alongside the criminal justice system but is also increasingly being used in our communities including schools, children's services and workplaces. When appropriate it can also be used instead of criminal proceedings.

Finding a way forward, or a means of closure, can be the important next steps for a victim on their journey to repair the harm caused.

Maria Milton, Victim's Commissioning Manager from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "I'm very proud of what our team achieves, often dealing with tricky and complex cases but their aim is always the same - care and support for victims of crime to help reach some level of resolution, even possible closure;  and as far as the perpetrator is concerned they are given the opportunity to understand the harm caused and consequently there's more chance of repeat offending being greatly reduced."  

Angus Macpherson said:  "One of the most important elements in my role remains putting victims and witnesses at the heart of everything we do and I am proud that our restorative justice volunteers and the important work they do can be celebrated today. 

"These valued volunteers work with front line officers and police staff, who are also trained in restorative justice practice, as well as our partners to provide an award* winning service.

"I commissioned Restorative Together because I understand how important it can be to victims in getting questions answered and helping them express the feelings they have as a result of crime; the restorative justice work these volunteers do alongside our PCSOs and officers can make a real difference to the criminal justice system - resulting in possible positive outcomes out of what is originally a bad place. 

"Nationally 85 per cent of victims are satisfied with the outcome of a restorative justice process, and we know it can also lead to a reduction in reoffending as offenders realise the full impact of their actions."